Psychology Degree Levels

Counseling Psychology Degree Guide

Counseling psychology has been recognized as a specialty in professional psychology by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1998.1 Counseling psychology is considered general practice in the field, focusing on how people function personally and in their interpersonal relationships with others. It addresses emotional, social, work, and school issues that people may have at different times in their lives.

Most counseling psychologists complete graduate, doctoral-level programs, which typically take four to six years to complete. Beginning with an undergraduate degree in psychology is the most common path, followed by a master’s degree and finally a doctoral degree in the field. Once a doctoral degree is obtained, counseling psychologists will go on to seek licensure in their state.

Degree Requirements and Coursework

Counseling psychology degree programs typically focus on core research design and statistics courses, as well as more focused courses in human growth and development, cognitive behavior, and counseling theory and research, along with a practicum and clinical training. Requirements into advanced counseling psychology programs typically include a bachelor’s degree (sometimes in psychology or a related field), a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, and acceptable GRE scores. Some programs may require professional experience and references. Sample coursework for students of counseling psychology programs may include:

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

Atypical Growth and Development

Career Counseling

Cognitive Assessment

Counseling in Community Settings

Ethical Issues in Counseling

Group Counseling

Multicultural Counseling

Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Intervention

Theories of Counseling

Profiles of Counseling Psychology Programs

Since the terminal degree for counseling psychology programs is a PhD or a PsyD, most programs offered in the field will be advanced. For the greatest number of career opportunities, you should consider a doctoral program, but first, research the type of job you are targeting so that you can select the right program level for you.

Master’s Programs

University of Wisconsin-Madison: The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Counseling Psychology offers a Master of Science (MS) in counseling psychology. Its curriculum was recently revised in order to satisfy Wisconsin’s licensure requirement changes and changed from a 48-credit program to a 60-credit program. The program takes two years of full-time study including summers plus a third year dedicated to an internship or practicum with an approved on-site supervisor. Required for admission are three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and GRE scores. Of the 180 master’s applications the school receives each year, only 14 to 16 applicants are accepted. While the master’s degree is terminal, many MS students go on to pursue a PhD in counseling psychology, also offered by UM-Madison, as the two programs are closely aligned in their preparation of counseling professionals.

Towson University: Towson University in Towson, Maryland offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in counseling psychology. The program trains its students to facilitate personal, educational, vocational, and group change for individuals of all ages. The MA degree offers two tracks: a practitioner track and a research track. The practitioner track focuses on training its students to be counselors and therapists at the master’s level. The research track specifically prepares students for successful entrance into a PhD program, with intensive training in research methodology, statistics, and a master’s-level thesis. Both tracks require the completion of 48 credit hours including supervised practicum and internship experience. Admission requirements include a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, acceptable GRE scores, a letter of intent, and three letters of recommendation. Successful candidates will be required to interview with the faculty of the counseling psychology program.

Doctoral Programs

Indiana University-Bloomington: Indiana University in Bloomington currently offers a PhD program in counseling psychology that was recently ranked 13th in US News & World Report’s Best Grad Schools for Student Counseling and Personnel Services. Based on a scientist-practitioner model, the PhD program at IU-Bloomington places a strong emphasis on multicultural issues and specialized training. Graduates work as psychologists in college counseling centers, as faculty members in higher education, and as psychologists in a broad range of healthcare facilities. Accredited by the APA, the program is 90 credit hours in length and gives students real-world experience as counselors and counselor supervisors. A master’s degree or undergraduate degree in psychology is preferred. Coursework covers the areas of psychological measurement, statistics, cognitive behavior, intervention strategies, and an area of specialization. GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and personal goal statement are required for admission.

Western Michigan University: WMU’s College of Education and the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology offers a doctoral program in counseling psychology. Admission is competitive; of 69 applications received in 2006-7, only nine new students were admitted. Most students complete the program in fewer than seven years, but many complete it in seven years or more. Required documents include a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), three letters of recommendation, acceptable GRE scores, and a written statement of intent. The counseling psychology PhD program, which is based on a scientist-practitioner model, began in 1978 and has been accredited by the APA since 1993. Coursework is focused on professional issues and ethics, consultation, vocational psychology, and multicultural counseling. A 2,000-hour pre-doctoral internship in an APA/APPIC setting is required for graduation, as well as a dissertation. The program is proud to be culturally diverse in its student population.

University of Kansas: KU’s Department of Educational Psychology offers a PhD in counseling psychology that has been accredited by the APA since 1955. Following a scientist-practitioner model, the doctoral program trains its students in the areas of clinical treatment and academic research. Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher, official transcripts, statement of intent, resume, GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile, and a degree (undergraduate or graduate) in psychology, education, counseling, or a related field. KU’s PhD program accepts only six to eight new students each year. The curriculum includes courses in diagnosis and psychopathology, diversity issues, human development, ethical and legal issues, and counseling theory and techniques. Students are also expected to complete a practicum or internship to gain real experience in the field.

Online Programs

Seton Hall University: Seton Hall University offers a combined Master of Arts (MA) and Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in professional counseling that can be completed online. Both degrees can be obtained for a total of 60 credits, the MA including 48 credits and the EdS including an additional 12 credits. The program does not accept transfer students or transfer credits. Admission to Seton Hall University’s professional counseling program requires official transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or Miller Analogies scores, a resume, three letters of recommendation from academic and professional colleagues, and a personal statement. Courses include Counseling Theory, Psychology of Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Orientation to Professional Counseling, Etiology and Treatment of Addictions, and Couple and Family Dynamics. A four-day residency at the beginning of the program and again the following year is required, with expenses included in tuition excluding transportation.

Counseling Psychology Job Description

Counseling psychologists help people deal with emotional, physical, and mental health issues, attempting to resolve crises and minimize stressors. They may assess, diagnose, and treat mild-to-severe psychological symptoms, aiding in crisis intervention, trauma management, and family or relationship issue resolution. Counseling psychologists may be employed by colleges and universities, independent practices, or community health centers. In an academic setting, they may be teachers or researchers. In independent settings, they may provide counseling, assessment, and consultation to individuals, families, or organizations, helping them to alleviate stresses, improve relationships, or deal with psychological issues. Other counseling psychologists may work with veterans, drug and alcohol addicts, or children.

What Jobs Can You Get with This Degree?

People with counseling psychology degrees may seek job titles including:

Behavioral health counselor

Case worker

Career counselor

Clinical psychologist*

Professional counselor

Psychologist*

*A doctoral degree is usually required for this job title.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a degree in counseling psychology?

Obtaining a counseling psychology degree can afford you many career opportunities, including jobs at universities, health centers, and independent practices. With a degree in counseling psychology, you can help people of all ages and walks of life deal with and overcome problems.

How long will it take me to get my degree in counseling psychology?

Typically, a doctoral program in counseling psychology will take four to six years and a master’s program will take an average of two years. Check with the individual college or university to look into the typical coursework and time required to complete the degree.

Counseling Psychology Salary and Job Outlook

In May 2017, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a median salary of $75.090.3 California employed the highest number of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in 2017 (18,250), while New Jersey had the highest mean wage for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists ($97,790).3 Other states with high employment levels for psychologists included New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania, while the states with the highest average wages for psychologists included Alaska, Hawaii, and California.3

The employment outlook for counseling psychologists is positive, with Projections Central predicting jobs growth of 14.2% for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists through the year 2026.4 That predicted growth is higher than the national average projected growth for all jobs of 7% and near the expected growth for all psychologists of around 14%.4,5

Additional Resources

The Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP) – The SCP is the APA’s Division of Counseling Psychology (Division 17), and, founded in 1946, it seeks to promote personal, educational, vocational, and group adjustment. It is dedicated to bringing together psychologists, students of psychology, and professional affiliates and strives to meet the interests of its members.

American Counseling Association – With 56,000 members, the ACA is the world’s largest association of professional counselors in a variety of settings. It offers members access to webinars, publications, and continuing education opportunities.